MONMOUTH, Ore. – Every year, universities nationwide celebrate First-Generation Student Day on November 8. Once again, Western Oregon University is dedicating an entire week of workshops and activities to highlight the experiences of first-generation students and celebrate their contributions to the campus community, from November 3 through November 7.
Themes throughout the week include basic needs, mental health awareness, TRIO programs, finding support systems, and career readiness. On November 7 at 9:30 am, Western will be hosting the second Tri-Alpha honor society induction ceremony. This is a first-generation honor society, and Western was the first public university to join last year.
“Being a first-generation-serving institution is not just a title; it’s a profound responsibility. Knowing that almost 50 percent of our students are first-generation highlights the critical role we play in preparing the future workforce,” shares Andres Hernandez-Galvan, first-generation coordinator at Western. He adds that the ultimate goal is not just to be the first place first-generation students think of for college, but the place they successfully graduate from. Hernandez-Galvan emphasizes that Western boasts exceptional, dedicated resources poised to support its students. By intensifying efforts to empower first-generation learners, the institution is fostering a campus culture that uplifts everyone. “Our impact is our legacy, and we will work tirelessly until every student achieves that end goal of graduation.”
First-generation college students share their college journey and what being a “first-gen” student means to them. Avery Gonzalez, a social work major, shares, “To me, being first generation means I have enough determination and strength to break out of my family’s patterns.”
Arianna Velason, a psychology major, shares what being first-generation means to her family. “My parents really pushed me and my siblings to go to college, and it was like the expectation to go because they didn’t have the chance to go, so they made sure that they helped us as much as they could.”
Cecilia Rodriguez, a psychology major, reflects on the person who helped her the most. “The person who helped me the most in my journey from freshman year to now was my Student Enrichment Program Advisor, Dana Nunez-Silva. She helped me navigate through everything, and she was also first-generation, so she was able to relate to me and understand where I was coming from.”
- See a complete list of activities.
- Learn more about Arianna, Cecilia, and Avery’s first-generation stories.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.